[Montoya]

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen on the current situation in Formula One.

* 19.06.2009
* Press Release

“The FOTA teams endeavoured to the very end to reach an agreement, but regrettably the FIA refused to back down from its rigid position, insisting that the teams must first sign up before there could be any negotiations on the rules. This was unacceptable to us.

FOTA therefore has no choice but to press ahead with preparations for an alternative championship. In the series organised by FOTA, the best drivers and the best teams will compete against each other. This will take place within a stable set of regulations and a transparent management structure. We will also take into account the wishes of the fans, who have lent us a great deal of support particularly in recent weeks.

Since its founding in September of last year, FOTA has been committed to cutting costs in Formula One, enhancing its appeal and supporting independent teams. During this short period of time, more has been achieved than ever before in the history of Formula One.

We will not be making any further statements on the matter during this weekend. We want to concentrate fully on the race and provide the fans with the spectacle they deserve.”

[mkoesel]

Yeah I saw that news earlier - it looks like the FOTA will start their own series unless maybe Eccelstone decides to cave and meets the demands. Doesn't sound likely though.

I'm not a big F1 fan, but this new series sounds promising, especially if they bring it to the US and Canada for at least one race.

[335 S]

No chance Mosley and Ecclestone will let this happen. Not one TV outlet will carry a race with Williams, Force India, and the ill-advised USF1. Bernie's lucrative TV rights will be worthless.

[Montoya]

My prediction:

IRL and CART-

No winners, only losers....